Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
By J.K. Rowling
This is the sixth book in the Harry Potter series where Harry and his friends are in the sixth form in the school of magic; and I must say that I waited impatiently for it to come out and I was not disappointed. It was magic! The series is said to be for young readers, but I know that I am among many adults to read the Harry Potter books. Perhaps they appeal to the magical childish element that is in most of our adult makeups, hidden in a corner of our minds.
We find Harry at his Aunt and Uncle’s house where he has spent the summer holidays from Hogwarts School. Strange weather and strange happenings had been going on during the school holidays. The world of magic had become mixed up with the non-magic world with terrible consequences. Harry has had a message from the Head, Professor Dumbledore and is waiting for him to arrive, wondering what it is all about. Once Dumbledore arrives, the adventure begins and one does not want to put the book down.
The main characters, Harry, studious and brilliant Hermione, and ‘clumsy’ Ron (who relies on Hermione….) lead us through all sorts of situations where all of our emotions are involved in the mystery, intrigue, fun, drama, love stories, and even tragedies.
The title of the book is based upon a potions book which comes into Harry’s possession which helps him but also causes dark problems. We do not find out the identity of the book’s former owner until right near the end. We are held in gripping suspense.
Rowling has a great imagination and puts pen to paper with great skill. There is a strong plot, from which the author goes off at tangents, but then steers us back on track towards what could be described as a devastating ending, far from a happy one. She leaves us, at the end of the book feeling rather sad, but with an element of hope. We have that ‘I can’t wait for the next (and final) installment’ feeling.
My brother, who does not usually read (I always read to him when we were children) told me that I must read the Harry Potter books. I now say to you, if you have not already done so, read all of the Harry Potter books including this one. I do not think you will be disappointed!